I'm known among senior communities as 'the guy who talks about his grandfather'. I didn't market myself this way-it just happened. Overtime, as my confidence grew, I began to share my music roots and why I'm happy to be with the residents and how my grandfather's guitar changed my life. When I shared my 'why' with the residents, the show became more than the music and started transforming into something else. In between songs, I'd say something like, "...Pop pop told me if you have a song you love you need to share it with others, they will feel the love even if they don't know the song.." Then I'd start playing 'Yesterday' or 'What a wonderful world'. The show was becoming more like an 'experience' as I shared the stories and reasons behind the songs I play. Music became almost secondary. As if one were admiring the intricately designed framing before ever noticing the beautiful painting. As I grew as a performer, so did my recollections of being with my grandfather and his lessons. I'd sit at the kitchen table and practice a song and Pop pop would say, "..you're playing too damn fast. Imagine you are eating a piece of you're grandmother's cheesecake..the goal isn't to eat as fast as you can-savor every bite and make it last." Every time I play a song on the guitar I think of that. Mmmmm cheesecake! I think this is why my show is different than others. Why did you begin playing music? How does this shape the life you live? These are a few good questions to answer and share with residents at your next show. They want to know you, not just listen to your music. The more you share about yourself and the love you have for your music, the more you will connect with your senior communities. What do you want to be known for?